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Payroll Initiatives Lead

OpenAISan FranciscoFinance
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Salary
$221K – $245K
Job type
Full-time
Work mode
Remote
Experience
Senior · 8+ yrs
Posted
5 Oct 2026
Status
Open · checked 7d ago

About this role

Payroll Initiatives Lead is a full-time position at OpenAI in San Francisco that focuses on scaling global payroll infrastructure and managing complex financial integrations. This role suits an experienced payroll professional with a background in corporate growth, mergers and acquisitions, and global payment processing.

Role Overview

OpenAI seeks a Payroll Initiatives Lead to manage strategic payroll operations and high-value processes in San Francisco. The position operates on a hybrid schedule requiring three days in the office per week, and relocation assistance is available for new hires.

Key Responsibilities

Direct payroll integration activities for global mergers and acquisitions, covering planning through stabilization.
Collaborate with acquired businesses to finalize accurate payroll runs, variable compensation, equity payouts, and final settlements.
Transition new personnel into internal payroll platforms while preserving uninterrupted compensation continuity.
Manage the decommissioning of legacy payroll systems and oversee compliant year-end tax reporting.
Build and enhance cross-border payment frameworks for workers across various international jurisdictions.
Coordinate large-scale payroll system migrations and maintain robust data connections across platforms.
Work alongside Finance, Legal, Tax, People, Equity, and Payroll departments to tackle operational challenges.
Detect operational risks, improve internal controls, and automate recurring workflows to support organizational expansion.

Requirements

Eight or more years of progressive experience handling payroll operations within rapid growth environments.
Familiarity with international payroll compliance laws and standard operational practices.
Demonstrated background in executing payroll integrations for corporate mergers and acquisitions.
Practical familiarity with Workday Payroll or alternative enterprise-grade human capital management systems.
Capacity to independently organize tasks, take accountability for deliverables, and meet strict deadlines.
Strong analytical mindset paired with meticulous attention to detail.
Professional communication skills for collaborating with internal and external parties.
Bachelor degree in Accounting, Finance, Human Resources, or a related discipline, or equivalent practical experience.

Nice to Have

Certified Payroll Professional credential.
Broad technical experience across multiple software ecosystems.

Skills and Tools

Workday Payroll
Global HCM systems
Payroll integration and automation tools

Salary and Benefits

Base salary range of $221,000 to $245,000
Equity offerings included
Relocation assistance for new employees

About the Company

OpenAI functions as an artificial intelligence research and deployment enterprise aiming to ensure that general-purpose artificial intelligence benefits humanity. The organization emphasizes safety, human-centric design, and inclusive perspectives while deploying AI technologies globally. OpenAI operates as an equal opportunity employer.

How to Apply

Candidates should apply directly on the official company careers page.

Skills and tech stack

Questions candidates ask

Where is the Payroll Initiatives Lead position located?

The role is based in San Francisco, California, utilizing a hybrid work model requiring three days in the office per week.

What is the salary range for this position?

The salary ranges from $221,000 to $245,000, and the compensation package includes equity.

Is relocation assistance provided?

Yes, relocation assistance is available for new employees joining the company.

What level of experience is required?

Applicants must have 8 or more years of progressive experience in payroll operations, ideally within a fast-paced or high-growth setting.

What education or certification is preferred?

A bachelor degree in Finance, Accounting, HR, or a related field (or equivalent practical experience) is required, while a CPP certification is a plus.

Ready to apply?

The application is on the official OpenAI careers page.

Apply on company site